Minneapolis-based Indeed Brewing releases its annual batch of LSD

Josh Bischoff first brewed LSD back in 2009 at Town Hall Brewery, where he was under the supervision of Mike Hoops. Two years later, the brew — with lavender, sunflower honey and dates — won Silver in the Herbal Beer category at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival. “It was a long process that came together naturally,” he said. “LSD was not made in 20 minutes. I started at Town Hall back in 2001 and Pete [Pete Rifakes, owner of Town Hall Brewery] never had any restrictions, we had free reign. It [LSD] was the only Town Hall beer that had to be test brewed,” Josh says chuckling.

He reminisced about his time at the Seven Corners brewery: “I absolutely got lucky to work with Mike [Hoops]. He’s been a great mentor for me. There are a lot of things, looking back, that he’s done so well.”

Now LSD is brewed and bottled at Indeed, after the owners paid a fair sum for the rights to the beer when Josh took the head brewing job there. The recipe itself is made up of French lavender, Ukrainian sunflower honey and fresh dates. Over the years Josh has changed the recipe very little; only cutting back a bit on the lavender from 5.8 lbs to an even 5 lbs. “The honey comes out more with time, giving off a spicy, cinnamon flavor,” he explains.

This year’s batch was bottled last week and is currently available across the metro. It will also be available at Indeed’s annual Whirly Gig event — happening May 15-17 at the brewery. There will be trailers set up with taps and some cans will also be available for purchase. The event will happen rain or shine, with no cover charge, and features a hot music lineup including Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Sam Cassidy, Paul Metzger, Grant Hart and Mark Mallman.

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Ryan Tuenge is an avid home brewer and craft beer lover who
is not afraid to spend his last $5 on a pint of beer at the local pub.
As a member of the Minnesota Home Brewers Association, Ryan has tried a wide variety of beers and has toured many of the local breweries. He also has a blog about craft beer in Minnesota. He likes to read, write and travel with his wife. Follow him on Twitter @lodgefather.